Registering new Trailer in Massachusetts

[Beekeepers]

Has anyone registered a new Trailer in Massachusetts recently? We are taking delivery at the end of March and I am trying to get my paperwork in order and would like to know what I need.

[Randy in Maine]

Pretend you are registering a new car. Take the documents Escape gives you, into the town (or state DMV) and they will give you a number to make the check out to.

In my case in Maine, they had me pay ~ 5.5% sales tax on the purchase price and had me pay an excise tax based on my local mill rate on each $1000. I think I also had to pay about $30 for the fee to make a title and $25 for a license plate. In Maine, they always have a local cop verify the VIN was the same on the trailer as was on the paperwork (they do that on every vehicle that comes in from out of state).

[MrLynn]

Both of our travel trailers were used, so all we really needed was a bill of sale with the VIN, and the previous title. With our Casita, we went to the Registry of Motor Vehicles office (in Andover, I think), and got a plate to take to NH where the sellers had the trailer.

We bought our Escape from the seller in Kentucky, and we were planning to travel after we took possession. Fortunately, our insurance agency was able to transfer our old plate and also process the title application and the sales tax—all over a weekend, by email and Special Delivery.

Sales tax is a killer in MA (6.25%), as you doubtless know. Annual excise tax is billed by the city or town after they get word from the Registry.

If you have an insurance agency, they can run the plates and paperwork for you. Saves a lot of time waiting at the Registry.

[Beekeepers]

I was hoping to have plates in hand for delivery. I know that they register vehicles in MA without the vehicle present. Maybe with an import I will need the vehicle present, which would mean getting temporary plates for the delivery, I guess I need to call the DMV.

[Steve Clark]

Originally Posted by Beekeepers

I was hoping to have plates in hand for delivery. I know that they register vehicles in MA without the vehicle present. Maybe with an import I will need the vehicle present, which would mean getting temporary plates for the delivery, I guess I need to call the DMV.

Beekeepers, Research Massachusetts DMV Registration. See how many days you have to register the trailer in your home state. Make an appointment with your local office for a convenient date after delivery but within the DMV guidelines. You will be totally legal if you register within the guidelines. In California, the vehicle must be registered within 20 days after entering the state.

Cheers